Our Story The Legacy of the World's Most Exclusive Tea

Ahmad Tea is a UK-based family business, drawing on four generations of tea blending and tasting experience. Founded on a passion for the finest tea, we are dedicated to the unique place that tea drinking commands at the heart of daily life in Britain and beyond.

When the company was established in England, we felt that people desired an exceptional infusion which could be enjoyed every day. The selection of our first plantations and partners, our initial blending and tasting, and even our early packaging – all were driven by a commitment to meet this need. To this end, we were also one of the first companies to present tea in ways that emphasised its worth, offering it in beautiful gift packs, exquisite tins and charming caddies.

Over the years, as our reputation grew and our reach spread, it became equally obvious that people throughout the world shared this desire for a cup of tea that was much more than simply refreshment, but an enjoyable, memorable and satisfying experience.

Early in the life of Ahmad Tea, our Managing Director promised, “I will not sell anything that I would not drink at home.” This refusal to accept anything but the finest teas – primarily in terms of their flavour, aroma, strength and consistency continues to guide our tasters and inspire our entire company.

Ahmad Tea is renowned for the quality of its teas across the globe, and yet remains a family business, true to the vision that founded it.

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1657

Tea is first sold as a health beverage in London, England at Garway’s Coffee House

1840

1903

The first tea bag is created when Thomas Sullivan, a New York tea merchant, started to send samples of tea to his customers in small silken bags.

1951

The company manufactures bulk tea from the provincial tea growing region of Gilan, in Asia, and tea is sold across central Asia.

1986

Drawing upon 4 generations of tea knowledge and experience, Ahmad Tea opens an office and factory in Hampshire, UK.

1989

As demand gradually grows, production is relocated to a bigger site in Hampshire. Ahmad Tea’s export market grows to include predominantly tea drinking countries across Eastern Europe.

1998

Ahmad Tea launches its ranges of Ice Teas and Green Teas.

2000

Ahmad Tea becomes one of the top 5 leading tea brands across Asia.

2003

By 2003, Ahmad Tea has the majority share of the tea gift market in the UK. Ahmad Tea is available in 68 countries worldwide.

2010

Ahmad Tea has grown so popular that it’s become available in over 78 countries around the world.

2017

Ahmad Tea becomes a top 5 international tea brand and continues to grow as a family business, expanding product blends and maintaining the highest quality products across over 80 countries around the world.